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Transcontinental Supersport
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Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14
Don Williams
04/01/2007
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A common observation our test riders have when getting off
the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14 is that the long-legged, big-hearted beast would make
an outstanding platform for a high-velocity, long-distance sport touring steed.
Clearly, enthusiasts in Kawasaki’s engineering and marketing departments had the
same idea. Thus, we are presented with the 2008 Kawasaki Concours
14.
Although not yet ready for sampling outside of the Kawasaki R&D
department, the Concours 14 identifies itself as a new breed of touring machine
with its clever merging of Ninja heritage and blindingly up-to-date technology.
Kawasaki has even coined a smart new term for the class the Concours
self-defines: Transcontinental Supersport.
Whether or not the term catches
on, it looks to be an apt description of the machine. The Ram-Air induction
1352cc motor is based on the ZX-14’s spectacular powerplant, though Kawasaki
claims to have tamed the hits the Ninja invokes at 4,000 and 6,000 rpm.
Regardless, Kawasaki is touting the shaft-drive Concours as the “most powerful
production sport tourer ever.”
Just as the market for cruiser-based touring
bikes is heating up, Kawasaki has reminded us that there’s still some interest
in consuming huge bites of concrete at an astonishingly rapid pace, and we can’t
wait to satiate our appetites.
STORAGE. The hard luggage is both aerodynamically and stylistically integrated
into the Concours. A glove box on the fuel tank cover adds carrying
capacity. BRAKES. High-performance brakes are a given, with triple petal discs, and
six-piston/six-pad calipers in the front. UNDER THE SKIN. Mass centralization and a muscular aluminum monocoque frame
makes the chassis a fitting match to the motor. FAIRING. Ram-Air induction helps the 1352cc in-line-4 produce more than its
share of horsepower.
www.kawasaki.com
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